Motor vehicle heating and/or air conditioning deivce, with improved heat exchange management

ABSTRACT

A device for heating and/or air conditioning the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle comprises a first fan ( 16 ) able to send a first air flow (F 1 ) through a first part of a heating radiator ( 14 ) and a second fan ( 32 ) able to send a second air flow (F 2 ) through a second part of this radiator, distribution means ( 42, 62 ) being provided for distributing the first and second air flows between a deicing outlet ( 52 ), a ventilation outlet ( 54 ) and a feet-level outlet ( 56 ). The device makes it possible to generate two independent air flows and to send them to the top part and bottom part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention concerns a device for heating and/or airconditioning the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, of the typecomprising fan means able to send an air flow through a casing housingat least one heat exchanger and communicating with a deicing outlet, aventilation outlet and a feet-level outlet.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] Devices of this type are already known in which the casing housesan evaporator and a heating radiator so that an air flow can passsuccessively through the evaporator and heating radiator in order to becooled and/or heated therein, according to the thermal air comfortdesired by the occupant or occupants of the vehicle.

[0003] The air flow thus cooled and/or heated is then set to thedifferent areas of the passenger compartment through the deicing outlet,the ventilation outlet and the feet-level outlet.

[0004] From EP-0 733 502, a device of this type is known comprising adouble fan fed on the one hand by an external air flow taken outside thepassenger compartment and on the other hand a recirculated air flowtaken from inside the passenger compartment. This device thus makes itpossible to treat the external air flow in order to send it into aregion of the passenger compartment, for example at the upper part, andto treat the recirculated air flow in order to send it into a anotherregion of the passenger compartment, for example in the lower part.

[0005] However, the performance of such a device is limited because ituses only a single fan and the operating modes are reduced. This isbecause this known device does not make it possible to effect a separatemanagement between the two regions of the passenger compartment, namelythe upper part and the lower part.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,047 concerns an air conditioning device whichcomprises two coaxial fans able to send air flows into two adjacentchannels delimited by a separating partition.

[0007] This device does not make it possible to vary the proportionbetween the two air flows and, in addition, the coaxial arrangement ofthe two blowers limits the possibilities of locating these blowers.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,731 concerns a motor vehicle air conditioningdevice which comprises two air passage conduits each having a fan and aheat exchanger. The fan situated in a first conduit sucks in therecirculated air, heats it and then sends it into the motor vehiclepassenger compartment through lower ventilation vents. The fan situatedin the second conduit sucks in the external air, heats it and then sendsit into the passenger compartment through deicing vents.

[0009] This device does not make it possible to vary the proportion ofthe air flows passing through the heat exchangers and coming from oneand/or other of the fans. In addition, the management of the externalair source and the management of the recirculated air source aredependent on each other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The aim of the invention is notably to overcome theaforementioned drawbacks.

[0011] It aims principally to procure a device capable of generating twoindependent heat exchange flows, one intended for the upper part of thepassenger compartment and the other for the lower part of the passengercompartment, in order notably to dispense with problems of misting ofthe vehicle windows.

[0012] To this end it proposes a heating and/or air conditioning deviceof the type defined in the introduction, in which the fan means comprisea first fan able to send a first air flow through a first part of aheating radiator and a second fan able to send a second air flow througha second part of this radiator, in which a distribution means isprovided in the casing, upstream of the radiator with respect to thesecond air flow, in order to control the first air flow and/or thesecond air flow through the radiator, and in which distribution meansare provided for distributing the first and second air flows, which havepassed through the radiator, between the deicing outlet, the ventilationoutlet and the feet-level outlet.

[0013] Thus the device of the invention comprises two fans able togenerate two separate air flows intended to be sent into two parts ofthe passenger compartment, that is to say generally the upper part andthe lower part.

[0014] Because of this, it is possible to distribute, to the upper andlower parts of the passenger compartment, two air flows treatedindependently for temperature.

[0015] The distribution means makes it possible to control, proportionand/or layer the first air flow and the second air flow which passthrough the radiator. The result is a regulation of the proportion ofthe first air flow and of the second air flow, without mixing these twoair flows. It is possible in some to cause either the first air flowalone or the second air flow alone to pass through the radiator.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an evaporator isinterposed between the first fan and the radiator, so that the first airflow passes successively through the evaporator and the radiator, whilstthe second air flow passes only through the radiator.

[0017] Thus the first air flow can be cooled and/or heated, whilst thesecond air flow can only be heated.

[0018] According to another characteristic of the invention, the firstfan and the second fan are able to be fed each by an external air flowand/or a recirculated air flow.

[0019] Preferably, the first fan is able to be fed by an external airflow and/or a recirculated air flow, whilst the second fan is able to befed by a recirculated air flow.

[0020] According to another characteristic of the invention, the firstpart of the radiator is at the top part and is situated on the same sideas the deicing outlet and the ventilation outlet, whilst the second partof the radiator is at the bottom part and is situated on the same sideas the feet-level outlet.

[0021] Preferentially, the deicing outlet and the ventilation outlet canbe fed by an air flow which has passed through the evaporator (whereapplicable) and the radiator, whilst the feet-level outlet is fed by anair flow which is passed through the second part of the radiator,without having passed through the evaporator.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the first fan and the secondfan are both disposed on the same side, or upstream side, of theradiator, whilst the deicing, ventilation and feet-level outletscommunicate with an outlet chamber situated on the opposite side, ordownstream side, of the radiator, so that the first air flow and thesecond air flow pass through the radiator in the same direction.

[0023] In this embodiment, the outlet chamber advantageously houses adistribution shutter able to adopt at least two different positions: aclosed position in which the outlet chamber is divided into a firstcompartment and a second compartment so that the first air flow isdirected towards the deicing outlet and the ventilation outlet whilstthe second air flow is directed towards the feet-level outlet; and anopen position in which the first compartment and the second compartmentcommunicate so that the first air flow and the second air flow can atleast partly mix.

[0024] The aforementioned distribution means advantageously comprises adistribution shutter provided at the outlet from the second fan in orderto control the second air flow.

[0025] This distribution shutter is preferably able to adopt a closedposition in which the outlet of the second fan is closed and at leastone open position in which the outlet of the second fan is open.

[0026] In another embodiment of the invention, the first fan is disposedon one side, or upstream side, of the radiator whilst the second fan isdisposed on the other side, or downstream side of the radiator, and thedeicing and ventilation outlet communicate with an outlet chambersituated on the downstream side, of the radiator, whilst the feet-leveloutlet communicates with a lower part of the casing on the upstream sideof the radiator, so that the first air flow and second air flow passthrough the radiator in opposite directions.

[0027] This embodiment makes it possible to dispose the first and secondfan respectively upstream and downstream of the radiator.

[0028] In this embodiment, a distribution shutter is advantageouslyprovided at the outlet of the second fan in order to control the secondair flow and thus prevent mixing between the first air flow and secondair flow.

[0029] Preferably, this distribution shutter is able to adopt at leasttwo positions: a closed position in which the outlet of the second fanis closed and an open position in which the outlet of the second fan isopen.

[0030] This distribution shutter is advantageously situated on theupstream side of the radiator.

[0031] In the aforementioned embodiment, provision can be made for thefirst fan and second fan to be situated adjacent to the casing.

[0032] Provision can also be made, as a variant, for the first fan to besituated adjacent to the casing whilst the second fan is situated at adistance from the casing, in particular close to the rear seats of thevehicle.

[0033] This last solution makes it possible to increase the compactnessof the device and also to take off recirculated air at the rear of thepassenger compartment.

[0034] In the invention, the first fan and second fan can be formed bytwo independent fans, or by a double fan.

[0035] The radiator of the device of the invention can be suitable forhaving a hot fluid pass through it under the control of a flow-rateadjustment valve, according to the technique known as “adjustment onwater”.

[0036] As a variant, the casing delimits an air heating branch in whichthe radiator is housed and a cold air transmission branch, and a mixingshutter is provided at the junction of the aforementioned two branchesin order to ensure the distribution of the air flow between the twobranches and to regulate the temperature of the air flow to be sent tothe deicing and ventilation outlets. Thus the temperature is adjusted bymeans of the technique known as “adjustment on air”.

[0037] According to another characteristic of the invention, the devicecomprises an upper air passage provided in the casing close to the firstpart of the radiator and communicating with an outlet chamber downstreamof the radiator, this upper air passage being controlled by a shutter sothat a proportion of the first air flow can take the upper air passagewithout passing through the radiator. The shutter then makes it possibleto mix the air in the upper part of the casing.

[0038] According to yet another characteristic of the invention, thedevice comprises a lower air passage provided in the casing close to thesecond part of the radiator and close to the feet-level outlet andcommunicating with an outlet chamber downstream of the radiator, thislower air passage being controlled by at least one shutter so that aproportion of the second air flow can take the upper air passage withoutpassing through the radiator. The shutter then makes it possible to mixthe air in the lower part of the casing.

[0039] In accordance with the invention, it is possible to use either asingle radiator, or a radiator formed by the joining of two adjacentradiators able to have respectively the first air flow and the secondair flow pass through them.

[0040] The invention also makes provision, in a variant, for anadditional radiator situated opposite the second part of the radiatorand also able to have the second air flow pass through it.

[0041] This makes it possible to increase the heating of the second airflow and, consequently, the heating of the lower part of the passengercompartment.

[0042] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emergefrom a reading of the following detailed description, given solely byway of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] In the drawings:

[0044]FIG. 1 is a schematic view in section of a device for heatingand/or air conditioning the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle,according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0045]FIG. 2 is a partial view corresponding to FIG. 1 in a variantembodiment;

[0046]FIG. 3 is another partial view corresponding to FIG. 1 in anothervariant embodiment;

[0047]FIG. 4 is a view in section of a device according to a secondembodiment of the invention;

[0048]FIG. 5 is a view in section of a device according to a thirdembodiment of the invention;

[0049]FIG. 6 is a view in section of a device according to a fourthembodiment of the invention;

[0050]FIG. 7 is a view in section of a device according to a fifthembodiment of the invention;

[0051]FIG. 8 is a side view of a device according to a sixth embodimentof the invention;

[0052]FIG. 9 is a detail of FIG. 8 in a variant embodiment;

[0053]FIG. 10 is a view in section of a device according to a seventhembodiment of the invention;

[0054]FIG. 11 is a detail of FIG. 10 in a variant embodiment;

[0055]FIG. 12 is a view in section of a device according to an eighthembodiment of the invention;

[0056]FIG. 13 is a view in section of a device with two single fansaccording to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0057]FIG. 14 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 13;

[0058]FIG. 15 is a view in section of a device with two single fansaccording to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0059]FIG. 16 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 15;

[0060]FIG. 17 is a detail of FIG. 16 in a variant embodiment;

[0061]FIG. 18 is a view in section of a device with two single fansaccording to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0062]FIG. 19 is a view in section of a device with two single fansaccording to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0063]FIG. 20 is a view in section of a device with a double fanaccording to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0064]FIG. 21 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 20;

[0065]FIG. 22 is a view in section of a device with a double fanaccording to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0066]FIG. 23 is a view in section along the line XXIII-XXIII in FIG.22;

[0067]FIG. 24 is a view in section of a device of the type fortemperature regulation by mixing on air according to a first embodimentof the invention;

[0068]FIG. 25 is a detail embodiment of FIG. 24 in a variant;

[0069]FIG. 26 is a detail embodiment of FIG. 24 in another variant;

[0070]FIG. 27 is a detail embodiment of FIG. 24 in another variant;

[0071]FIG. 28 is a view in section of a device for temperatureregulation by mixing on air according to a second embodiment of theinvention;

[0072]FIG. 29 is a view in section of a device according to theinvention with two radiators;

[0073]FIG. 30 is a view in section of a device similar to that of FIG.29, comprising a single radiator and an additional radiator;

[0074]FIGS. 31A to 31C show different configurations of a deviceaccording to the invention of the mixing on air type;

[0075]FIGS. 32A to 32D show different configurations of another deviceaccording to the invention for regulation on air; and

[0076]FIGS. 33A to 33C show different configurations of another deviceaccording to the invention for regulation on air.

[0077] In these figures, the common elements are designated by the samereferences.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0078] Reference is made first of all to FIG. 1, which depicts a devicefor heating and/or air conditioning the passenger compartment H of amotor vehicle, comprising a casing 10 housing an evaporator 12 and aheating radiator 14, respectively on the inlet side and on the outletside of the casing. The inlet of the casing is connected to a first fan16 of the radial type having a housing 18 in the form of a shell inwhich a propeller 20 can rotate about an axis 22.

[0079] The fan 16 is connected to a feed casing 24 provided with twoinlets 26 and 28 controlled by a shutter 30 of the flag type mounted soas to pivot about a shaft 32. The inlets 26 and 28 are able to be fedrespectively with an external air flow AE taken from outside thepassenger compartment H, whilst the air inlet 28 is able to be fed by arecirculated air flow AR taken from inside the passenger compartment.Thus, according to the position occupied by the shutter 30, the fan 16can send either an external air flow AE or a recirculated air flow ARthrough the evaporator 12. The latter is connected to a conventional airconditioning circuit (not shown).

[0080] The device also comprises a second fan 32, also of the radialtype, fed here by a recirculated air flow AR. The fan comprises ahousing 34 in the form of a shell in which a propeller 36 rotates aboutan axis 38 parallel to the axis 22. The housing 34 has an outlet 40which opens out into the casing 10, opposite the radiator 14. The outlet40 is controlled by a regulating shutter 42 of the flag type, mounted soas to pivot about a shaft 44 and able to move between a closed position(depicted in broken lines) in which the outlet 40 is closed and an openposition (depicted in solid lines) in which the outlet 40 is open.

[0081] The first fan 16 is able to produce an air flow F1 which passessuccessively through the evaporator 12 and an upper part or top part 14Aof the radiator, whilst the second fan 32 is able to produce a secondair flow F2 which passes through a lower part or bottom part 14B of theradiator 14.

[0082] Thus the first air flow F1 can be successively cooled and heated,whilst the second air flow F2 can only be heated.

[0083] The radiator 14 can have a hot fluid pass through it, normallythe vehicle engine cooling liquid. A regulating valve 46 makes itpossible to progressively regulate the flow of hot fluid passing throughthe radiator and consequently the temperature of the air flow F1 or F2at the outlet from the radiator.

[0084] These two flows emerge in an outlet chamber 48 formed inside adistribution casing 40 which is connected, at the top part, to a deicingoutlet 52 and to a ventilation outlet 54 and, at the bottom part, to afeet-level outlet 56.

[0085] The outlet 52 is able to feed at least one windscreendeicing/demisting vent (not shown), whilst the outlet 54 is able to feedat least one vent (not shown) provided on the vehicle fascia.

[0086] The outlet 52 is controlled by a pivoting shutter 58 of the flagtype, whilst the outlet 54 is controlled by a pivoting shutter 60 of thebutterfly type.

[0087] In this embodiment, the fans 16 and 32 are both disposed on thesame side, or upstream side, of the radiator 14 and the differentoutlets 52, 54 and 56 all communicate with the outlet chamber 48, whichis situated on the downstream side of the radiator. As a result the airflows F1 and F2 pass through the radiator 14 in the same direction.

[0088] The outlet chamber 48 houses a distribution shutter 62, in theexample of the drum type, mounted so as to pivot about a shaft 64. Thisshutter 62 is able to adopt at least two different positions:

[0089] a first position (depicted in broken lines) in which the flows F1and/or F2 are directed towards the deicing outlet 52 and ventilationoutlet 54, and

[0090] a second position (depicted in solid lines) in which the flows F1and/or F2 are redirected towards the feet-level outlet 56.

[0091] In the variant embodiment in FIG. 2, the device also comprises anupper air passage 66 provided in the casing close to the first part 14Aof the radiator and communicating with the outlet chamber 58 which issituated downstream of the radiator. This upper air passage 66 iscontrolled by a shutter 68 of the butterfly type mounted so as to pivotabout a shaft 70. When the shutter 68 is at least partly open, aproportion of the flow F1 takes the passage 66 without passing throughthe radiator 14, which enables the air flow F1 in the outlet chamber 48to be regulated by mixing, in adjustable proportions, a hot air flow anda fresh air flow. This temperature regulation is thus effected by thetechnique known as “regulation on air”.

[0092] The device according to the variant in FIG. 3 differs from thatof FIG. 1 by the fact that the fan 32 is here an axial fan, so that theflow F2 is sent parallel to the axis of the propeller and nottangentially as in the case of a radial fan. The fan 32 therefore doesnot have a housing of the shell type.

[0093] The device depicted in FIG. 4 is similar to that of FIG. 1.However, the shutter 22 can here adopt three different positions:

[0094] position 0, in which the outlet 40 of the fan 32 is closed;

[0095] position 1, in which the outlet 40 is open and the shutter 42enables the flows F1 and F2 to be partitioned so that they passrespectively through the parts 14A and 14B of the radiator; and

[0096] position 2, in which the shutter 42 is completely open andenables the flow F2 to pass through the parts 14A and 14B of theradiator (in this position the flow F1 cannot gain access to theradiator 14).

[0097] In addition the shutter 62 here consists of a pivoting shutter ofthe flag type which can adopt two positions:

[0098] position 0, in which the outlet chamber 48 feeds the outlets 52,54 and 56; and

[0099] position 1, in which the outlet chamber 48 is divided into afirst compartment (the top compartment) 48A communicating with theoutlets 52 and 54 and a second compartment (the bottom compartment) 54Bcommunicating with the outlet 54. In addition, this outlet can itself becontrolled by a shutter 72 of the butterfly type mounted so as to pivotabout a shaft 74.

[0100] In FIG. 4, the shutter 30 can adopt two positions:

[0101] position 0, or “external air position”; and

[0102] position 1, or “recirculated air position”.

[0103] Table 1 below gives, by way of example, different possibledistribution modes according to the respective positions of the shutters42, 62 and 30 and according to the operating mode of the fans 16 and 32.For the latter, the figures 0 and 1 correspond respectively to an offmode and an on mode. TABLE 1 Distribution Shutter Shutter Shutter FanFan modes 42 62 30 16 32 Deicing 0 0 0 1 0 Deicing + 1 1 0 1 1 HeatingHeating 2 0 0 or 1 0 1 Heating + 1 1 0 1 1 Ventilation Ventilation 0 0 0or 1 1 0

[0104] The device depicted in FIG. 5 is similar to that in FIGS. 1 and4. In this embodiment, the shutter 42 can adopt two positions 0 and 1 asin the case of FIG. 1. It cannot adopt position 2 of full opening as inthe case of FIG. 4. The shutter 62 is also a shutter of the flag typesimilar to that of FIG. 4 and able to adopt two different positions: 0and 1.

[0105] Table 2 below gives, by way of example, different distributionmodes according to the position of the shutters 42, 62 and 30 and thefans 16 and 32. TABLE 2 Distribution Shutter Shutter Shutter Fan Fanmodes 42 62 30 16 32 Deicing 0 0 0 1 0 Deicing + 1 1 0 1 1 HeatingHeating 0 0 0 or 1 1 0 Heating + 1 1 0 1 1 Ventilation Ventilation 0 0 0or 1 1 0

[0106] The device depicted in FIG. 6 is similar to that of FIG. 1. Therespective positions of the shutters 42, 62 and 30 are designated by thefigures 0 and 1.

[0107] Table 3 below gives, by way of example, different distributionmodes according to the respective positions of the shutters and theoperating modes of the two fans. TABLE 3 Distribution Shutter ShutterShutter Fan Fan modes 42 62 30 16 32 Deicing 0 0 0 1 0 Deicing + 1 1 0 11 Heating Heating 0 1 0 or 1 0 1 Heating + 1 1 0 1 1 VentilationVentilation 0 0 0 or 1 1 0

[0108] The device of FIG. 7 is very similar to that of FIG. 6 anddiffers from the latter by the fact that the shutter 62, also of thedrum type, can assume three different positions:

[0109] position 0, in which the feet-level outlet 56 is isolated fromthe outlet chamber 48;

[0110] position 1, in which the outlets 52, 54 and 56 all communicatewith the outlet chamber 48; and

[0111] position 2, in which the outlets 52 and 54 communicate with a toppart of the outlet chamber 48 whilst the feet-level outlet 56communicates with a bottom part of the outlet chamber 48.

[0112] Table 4 below gives, by way of example, different distributionmodes of the device according to the respective positions of theshutters and the operating modes of the shutters. TABLE 4 DistributionShutter Shutter Shutter Fan Fan modes 42 62 30 16 32 Deicing 0 0 0 1 0Deicing + 1 2 0 1 1 Heating Heating 1 1 0 or 1 1 0 Heating + 1 2 0 1 1Ventilation Ventilation 0 0 0 or 1 1 0

[0113] The device of FIG. 8 differs somewhat from the previous devices.

[0114] As in the previous embodiments, the first fan 16 is disposed onthe upstream side of the radiator. On the other hand, the second fan 32is disposed on the other side, that is to say the downstream side, ofthe radiator. The deicing 52 and ventilation 54 outlets both communicatewith the outlet chamber 48. On the other hand, the feet-level outlet 56communicates with a bottom part of the casing 10 on the upstream side ofthe radiator. As a result the first air flow F1 and the second air flowF2 pass through the radiator, that is to say respectively its parts 14Aand 14B, in opposite directions.

[0115] As in the previous embodiments, a shutter 42 of the flag typemounted so as to pivot about a shaft 44 is provided at the outlet of thefan 32. However, this shutter 42 is here situated downstream of theradiator 14, that is to say on the same side as the outlet chamber 48.This shutter 42 can adopt two different positions:

[0116] a position 0, in which the outlet of the fan 32 is closed; and

[0117] a position 1 in which the outlet of the fan is open and theshutter channels the flow F2 so that it passes through the lower part14B of the radiator 14.

[0118] In addition, the device comprises a shutter 62 similar to that inthe previous embodiments, but here situated upstream of the radiator 14,that is to say between the evaporator 12 and the radiator 14. Theshutter 62 is able to control the feet-level outlet 56 and can adopt twodifferent positions:

[0119] position 0, in which the feet-level outlet 56 is closed, and

[0120] position 1, in which the feet-level outlet 56 is open and theflow F2 is channelled to this feet-level outlet 56.

[0121] In the case in FIG. 8, the fan 16 is situated adjacent to thecasing 10 and the second fan 32 can be situated adjacent to the casing.

[0122] As a variant, the second fan can be situated at a distance fromthe casing (see right-hand part of FIG. 8), in particular in the area ofthe rear seats PA of the vehicle. In this case, it is necessary toprovide a connecting conduit 76 between the fan 32 and the casing 10.Disposing the fan 62 at a distance from the casing can be advantageousin increasing the compactness of the device and also for taking offrecirculated air in the region of the rear seats PA of the passengercompartment.

[0123] In the variant in FIG. 9, which is similar to that of FIG. 8, theshutter 42 can also occupy a third position, or position 2, in which theflow F2, can completely pass through the radiator 14. Likewise, theshutter 62 can occupy a third position, or position 2, in which the flowF2, which has passed through the entire radiator 14, can be directed tothe feet-level outlet 56.

[0124] Table 5 below gives, by way of example, different distributionmodes for the device of FIG. 8 or FIG. 9. TABLE 5 Distribution ShutterShutter Shutter Fan Fan modes 42 62 30 16 32 Deicing 0 0 0 1 0 Deicing +1 1 0 1 1 Heating Heating 1 (2) 1 (2) 0 or 1 0 1 Heating + 1 1 0 1 1Ventilation Ventilation 0 0 0 or 1 1 0

[0125] The device according to FIG. 2 is similar to that of FIG. 8 inthat the flows F1 and F2 pass through the radiator in oppositedirections. However, the fan 32 is situated upstream of the radiator 14,that is to say close to the evaporator 12, rather than downstream of theradiator 14 close to the distribution casing 50. As a result the fan 32must be of the suction type rather than of the blowing type. The flow F2is taken off through an air inlet 78 which is controlled by the shutter42 and which opens out in the passenger compartment H either at thefront seats or at the rear seats PA, provided that, in the latter case,a conduit 80 is used.

[0126] The variant in FIG. 11 is similar to that of FIG. 9, in that theshutters 42 and 62 can each occupy three different positions identifiedby the figures 0, 1 and 2.

[0127] The device depicted in FIG. 12 is similar to that of FIG. 8. Italso has a second feet-level outlet 82 which is situated downstream ofthe radiator 14, in the lower part of the distribution casing 50. Thisoutlet 82 is controlled by a shutter 84 of the butterfly type mounted soas to pivot about a shaft 86.

[0128] Table 6 below gives, by way of example, different distributionmodes of the device of FIG. 12. TABLE 6 Distribution Shutter ShutterShutter Fan Fan modes 42 62 30 16 32 Deicing 0 0 0 1 0 Deicing + 1 1 0 11 outlet Heating 56 Heating 0 0 0 or 1 1 0 outlet 82 Heating + 1 1 0 1 1outlet Ventilation 56 Ventilation 0 0 0 or 1 1 0

[0129] A brief description will now be given, with reference to FIGS. 13to 19, of different variant locations of the fans 16 and 32. In thesedifferent variants, two independent single fans are used, that is to sayones each actuated by independent electric motors.

[0130] In the variant location in FIGS. 13 and 14, the fans 16 and 32are of the radial type and have their respective shells 18 and 34situated on each side of the casing. The respective axes 22 and 38 ofthe propellers are parallel to each other. The device comprises ashutter 42 of the flag type and a shutter 62 of the flag type pivotallymounted respectively upstream and downstream of the radiator 14.

[0131] In the variant in FIGS. 15 and 16, the fans 16 and 32 are also ofthe radial type and are disposed in opposite orientations with therespective axes 22 and 38 of the propellers disposed substantiallyparallel. The fans 16 and 32 are disposed on each side of the casing, asin the case of FIG. 4. However, the axis 22 of the fan 16 is situatedpractically in the plane of the evaporator 12, whilst the axis 38 of thefan 16 is offset with respect to the aforementioned plane. In fact, theoutlet of the fan 16 emerges upstream of the evaporator 12, whilst theoutlet of the fan 32 emerges directly in the casing between theevaporator 12 and radiator 14. The device comprises two shutters 42 ofthe flag type pivotally mounted upstream of the radiator 14 and ashutter 62 of the flag type pivotally mounted downstream of the radiator14. The shutters 42 have parallel pivot axes and are controlled incoordination so as to be in the open position and together in the closedposition. In the open position, the air flows coming respectively fromthe fans 16 to 32 are channelled and layered at the entry to theradiator 14.

[0132] In the variant in FIGS. 17, the outlet of the fan 32 also emergesbetween the evaporator 12 and radiator 14, but in a differentconfiguration. The device also comprises two shutters 42 of the flagtype, but these have pivot axes disposed perpendicularly to each other.

[0133] In the embodiment in FIG. 18, the fans 16 and 32 are also of theradial type and have their respective housings 18 and 34 disposedadjacent with the respective axes 22 and 38 of the propellers extendingparallel to each other. The shells open out directly in the casing 10upstream of the evaporator 12.

[0134] In the embodiment in FIG. 19, the fans 16 and 32 are also of theradial type. The shell 18 of the fan 16 is situated close to the casing10 and communicates directly with the inlet of the evaporator 12. Thefan 32 is disposed close to the casing between the evaporator 12 andradiator 14. The shell 34 can be integrated into the casing. Therespective axes 22 and 38 of the propellers are octagonal.

[0135] A brief description will now be given, with reference to FIGS. 20to 23, of different variant locations in the case of two single fans.

[0136] In the variant in FIGS. 20 and 21, the shells 18 and 34 of thefans 16 and 32 are adjacent, and the respective axes of the propellersare merged. The shells 18 and 34 are situated in the immediate vicinityof the casing 10.

[0137] In the variant in FIGS. 22 and 23, the shells 18 and 34 aresituated in the immediate vicinity of the casing and have outletconduits 84, 85 connected upstream of the casing 10 enable to conveyrespectively the air flow F1 and the air flow F2. As can be seen in FIG.23, the shells 18 and 34 are attached to a side wall of the casing 10and have respective outlet conduits 88 and 90 able to conveyrespectively the air flows F1 and F2. The device comprises two shutters42 placed at the outlet of the fans and mounted so as to pivot aboutrespective shafts perpendicular to each other.

[0138] Reference is now made to FIGS. 24 to 28, which concern devices ofthe type for temperature regulation by mixing on air.

[0139] The device in FIG. 24 is similar to that of FIG. 2, in that thereis also found an upper air passage 66 provided in the casing close tothe first part 14A of the radiator and communicating with the outletchamber 48. This air passage is here controlled by a shutter 88 of theflag type mounted so as to pivot about a shaft 90. This shutter canoccupy a hot position “CH” in which the upper air passage 66 is closedand the air flow F1 is obliged to pass through the radiator 14 in orderto reach the outlets 52 and 54. It can also occupy a cold position “F”in which the air flow F1 directly reaches the outlets 52 and 54 withoutpassing through the radiator. This shutter 88 can also occupyintermediate positions in order to adjust the temperature of the airflow reaching the outlets 52 and 54.

[0140] In the case of FIG. 24, the shutters 42 and 62 of FIG. 2 are alsofound. In addition, the device comprises a lower air passage 92 providedin the casing 10, close to the second part 14B of the radiator and closeto the feet-level outlet 56. This passage 92 also communicates with theoutlet chamber 48 provided downstream of the radiator.

[0141] This air passage is controlled by two shutters, a shutter 94 ofthe flag type mounted so as to pivot about a shaft 96 and a shutter 98also of the flag type mounted so as to pivot about a shaft 100.

[0142] The shutters 94 and 98 are situated respectively on the upstreamside and downstream side of the radiator 14 and notably ensure mixing ofthe air in the lower part of the casing.

[0143] In the variant in FIG. 25, the upper air passage 66 is controlledby a shutter 102 of the drum type which fulfils substantially the samefunctions as the shutter 88 in FIG. 24.

[0144] The lower air passage 92 is here controlled by a single shutter104 in place of the two shutters 94 and 98 described previously. Thisshutter 104 is mounted so as to pivot about a shaft 106.

[0145] In the variant in FIG. 26, the shutter 104 is replaced by ashutter 108 of the flag type mounted so as to pivot about a shaft 110.

[0146] In the embodiment in FIG. 27, the lower air passage 92 iscontrolled by a shutter 112 of the butterfly type mounted so as to pivotabout a shaft 114.

[0147] In the variant in FIG. 28, a shutter 112 of the butterfly typefor controlling the lower air passage 92 is also found.

[0148] The upper air passage 66 is controlled by a mixing shutter 116mounted so as to pivot about a shaft 118. This shutter is situated atthe junction of a cold air transmission branch 120 and an air heatingbranch 122 in which the radiator 14 is housed. This shutter makes itpossible to adjust the temperature of the air reaching the outlets 52and 54 by a technique of regulation in air. The shutter 116 can occupy acold position “F” in which the air flow F1 is directed to the outlets 52and 54 without being able to pass through the radiator 14 and a hotposition “CH” in which the air flow is obliged to pass through theradiator 14 in order to reach the outlets 52 and 54. The shutter 116 canoccupy a multiplicity of intermediate positions to enable thetemperature of the air flow to be regulated by mixing a hot air flow anda cold air flow according to a technique known per se.

[0149] The casing 10 houses on the inside a stop 124 serving to limitthe movement of the shutter 112 and the movement of the shutter 116.

[0150] The device of FIG. 29 is similar to that of FIG. 1 except thatthe radiator 14 is formed by the joining of two adjacent independentradiators 14A and 14B able to have the flows F1 and F2 respectively passthrough them. These two radiators are fed by a hot fluid under thecontrol of valves 46A and 46B, both with progressive regulation. Apartition 126 is provided between the radiators 14A and 14B in order tocontribute to the separation of the flows F1 and F2.

[0151] The device of FIG. 30 is similar to that of FIG. 1, and alsocomprises an additional radiator 128 situated opposite the second part14A of the radiator and able also to have the second air flow F2 passthrough it. This radiator is advantageously of the electric type. Thismakes it possible to increase the temperature of the flow F2 and topromote the temperature rise of the lower area of the passengercompartment, in the region of the feet of the passenger.

[0152] Reference is now made to FIGS. 31A and 31C showing differentdistribution modes of a device according to the invention similar tothose described in FIGS. 24 and 28. The device comprises notably anupper air passage 66 in which a mixing shutter 116 is placed and a lowerair passage 92 in which two shutters 94 and 98 are placed. The outlet ofthe fan 32 is controlled by a shutter 42, whilst a shutter 62 of theflag type is provided in the outlet chamber 48.

[0153]FIG. 31A corresponds to a distribution mode: “deicing andventilation”. The fan 16 is in operation, whilst the fan 32 is stopped,its outlet also being closed by the shutter 42. The shutters 94 and 98can be in a variable position, whilst the shutter 95 closes off theaccess to the feet-level outlet 56. The shutter 62 is in a position suchthat the air flow which has passed through the radiator 14 is directedto the deicing outlet 52 and ventilation outlet 54. The air flow emittedby the fan 16 passes through the evaporator and is then distributedbetween the cold air transmission branch 120 and the air heating branch122 by the mixing shutter.

[0154] In the position in FIG. 31B, the device is in the“heating+deicing and heating+ventilation” distribution mode.

[0155] The fans 16 and 32 are both in operation. The shutter 42 is openand the shutter 62 is in an intermediate position. In addition, theshutters 94 and 98 are in any position. The radiator 14 has a flow F1pass through it in the upper part and a flow F2 in the lower part, theshutters 42 and 62 helping to partition these two flows.

[0156] The deicing 52 and ventilation 54 outlets are fed by an air flowat regulated temperature. The feet-level outlet 56 is fed by a hot ormixed-temperature air flow which comes from the fan 32 and which haspassed through the lower part of the radiator.

[0157] In the position of 31C, the device is in a so-called “feet-levelheating” distribution mode.

[0158] The fan 16 is stopped, whilst the fan 32 is in operation. Theshutter 42 is in the fully open position; the shutter 62 is in aposition such that the air flow which has passed through the radiator 14is directed to the feet level outlet 56. As in the previous embodiment,the shutters 94 and 98 can be adjusted for position in order to adjustthe temperature of the air sent to the feet level outlet, varying theproportion of the air flow passing through the radiator and the air flowwhich does not pass through the radiator.

[0159] The device in FIG. 31A to 31C can function equally well in aconfiguration where the mixing controls are combined or in aconfiguration where the mixing controls are independent.

[0160] In the first case, the functioning of the mixing shutter 116 andthat of the mixing shutters 94 and 98 are combined. In the second case,the two operations are independent.

[0161] Reference is now made to FIGS. 32A to 32D showing a device whichis similar to that of FIGS. 31A to 31C.

[0162] This device comprises an upper air passage 66 controlled by amixing shutter 116 similar to that of FIG. 28. On the other hand, thedevice does not have a lower air passage 92 as in the case of FIGS. 24,28, 31A to 31C.

[0163] The mixing shutter 116 makes it possible to regulate both thetemperature of the air flow sent to the deicing outlet 52 andventilation outlet 54 and that of the air flow sent to the feet-leveloutlet 56.

[0164] The device comprises a mixing chamber 130 receiving air atregulated temperature and feeding on the one hand the outlets 52 and 54and on the other hand the feet-level outlet 56 through a conduit 132,which can communicate with the outlet chamber 48 through a shutter 134of the butterfly type mounted so as to pivot about a shaft 136.

[0165] In the position in FIG. 32A, the fan 16 is in operation, whilstthe fan 32 is stopped, its outlet being closed by the shutter 42. Theshutter 134 is in a position in which the conduit 132 is isolated fromthe outlet chamber 48. The mixing chamber 130 is fed by an air flow atadjusted temperature, dependent on the position of the mixing shutter.The air flow at adjusted temperature is then distributed between theoutlets 52, 54 and 56.

[0166] In the position in FIG. 32B, the fans 16 and 32 are both inoperation. The shutters 42 and 134 are in a position such that the airflows issuing from the two fans are partitioned. The outlets 52 and 54are fed by an air flow at regulated temperature coming from the fan 16.On the other hand, the feet-level outlet 56 is fed by an air flow whichcomes from the fan 32 and which has passed through the lower part of theradiator 14. In this configuration, mixed air is sent to the deicing andventilation outlets, whilst the hot air is sent to the feet leveloutlet. This configuration is suitable for modes combined with extraheating of the feet-level area.

[0167] In the position in FIG. 32C, the device is in a configurationwhich corresponds to another “feet-level heating” mode.

[0168] The shutter 42 is in a fully open position, just like the shutter134, so that all the air flow coming from the fan 32 passes through thecomplete section of the radiator 14. The hot flow issuing from theradiator is thus sent solely to the feet-level outlet 56. This operatingmode makes it possible to bring the feet area of the passengercompartment rapidly to temperature.

[0169] In the position in FIG. 32D, the device is another “feet-levelheating” mode. The shutter 42 occupies the same position as in FIG. 32C.On the other hand, the shutter 134 isolates the conduit 132 from theoutlet chamber 48. The mixing chamber 130 is fed on the one hand by acold air flow coming from the fan 16 and on the other hand by a hot airflow which comes from the fan 32 and which has passed through theradiator 14. The mixing chamber thus receives a flow at adjustedtemperature which can then be distributed between the outlets 52, 54 and56. Consequently this mode makes it possible to adjust the temperatureof the air flow sent to the aforementioned three outlets.

[0170] Reference is now made to FIGS. 33A to 33C, which show differentdistribution modes of a device produced according to a variant of thedevice of FIGS. 32A to 32C. Compared with the previous embodiment, theconduit 132 has been omitted. The outlet chamber 48 still houses ashutter 62, as described previously.

[0171] In the position in FIG. 33A, the device is in a “deicing orventilation” mode.

[0172] The fan 16 is in operation, whilst the fan 32 is stopped, itsoutlet being closed by the shutter 42. The shutter 62 is in a positionsuch that all the air flow which has passed through the radiator 14 issent to the deicing outlet 52 and ventilation outlet 54. Thus these twooutlets receive mixed air, whilst the feet-level outlet 56 is not fed.

[0173] In the position in FIG. 33B, the device is in a “deicing+ventilation” or “heating +deicing” mode.

[0174] The shutter 42 is in an intermediate position, just like theshutter 62, which makes it possible to partition the flows emittedrespectively by the fan 16 and the fan 32, both in operation. Theoutlets 52 and 54 receive mixed air supplied by the fan 16. On the otherhand, the feet-level outlet 56 receives hot air which has been emittedby the fan 32 and has passed through the lower outlet of the radiator14.

[0175] In the position of FIG. 33C, the device is in a “feet-levelheating” mode. The fan 16 is stopped, whilst the fan 32 is in operation.The shutters 42 and 62 are in a position such that all the air flowemitted by the fan 32 can pass through the radiator 14 and then bedirected solely to the feet-level outlet 56. As a result the outlet 56receives a hot air flow at maximum temperature.

[0176] Thus the device of FIGS. 33A to 33C constitutes a variant of thatof FIGS. 32A to 32C, this variant being simplified in so far as it doesnot permit adjustment of the temperature of the feet-level heating.

[0177] It will be understood that the device of the invention is capableof numerous variant embodiments, notably with regard to the relativepositions of the two fans with respect to the casing. These positionscan be chosen according to the constraints relating to location and thesize of the vehicle for which the device is intended.

[0178] The respective housings of the fans can either be attached to thecasing or be integrated into it, being for example moulded in one piecewith it.

[0179] In summary, the device of the invention makes it possible todiffuse two distinct air flows each having an origin external orinternal to the vehicle. Preferably, the upper part of the passengercompartment will be fed with an external (or possibly recirculated) airflow so as to avoid misting of the vehicle windows. On the other hand,the lower part of the passenger compartment will preferably be fed withrecirculated air in order notably to assist heating.

[0180] Thus the upper and lower parts of the passenger compartment ofthe vehicle can be fed with two air flows treated independently fortemperature.

[0181] In addition, the device makes it possible to use one or two heatsources.

[0182] In the latter case, it is possible, for certain distributionmodes, to unify the two heat sources in order to increase the thermalpower.

1. Device for heating and/or air conditioning the passenger compartmentof a motor vehicle, of the type comprising fan means (16, 32) able tosend an air flow through a casing (10) housing at least one heatexchanger (12; 14) and communicating with a deicing outlet (52), aventilation outlet (54) and a feet-level outlet (56), characterised inthat the fan means comprise a first fan (16) able to send a first airflow (F1) through a first part (14A) of a heating radiator (14) and asecond fan (32) able to send a second air flow (F2) through a secondpart (14B) of this radiator, in that a distribution means (42) isprovided in the casing (10), upstream of the radiator (14) with respectto the second air flow (F2), in order to control the first air flow (F1)and/or the second air flow (F2) through the radiator (14), and in thatdistribution means (62) are provided for distributing the first (F1) andsecond air flows (F2), which have passed through the radiator (14),between the deicing outlet (52), the ventilation outlet (54) and thefeet-level outlet (56).
 2. Device according to claim 1, characterised inthat an evaporator (12) is interposed between the first fan (16) and thecasing (10), so that the first air flow (F1) passes successively throughthe evaporator (12) and radiator (14), whilst the second air flow (F2)passes only through the radiator (14).
 3. Device according to one ofclaims 1 and 2, characterised in that the first fan (16) and the secondfan (32) are able each to be fed by an external air flow (AE) and/or arecirculated air flow (AR).
 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3,characterised in that the first part (14A) of the radiator (14) is atthe top part and is situated on the same side as the deicing outlet (52)and the ventilation outlet (54), whilst the second part (14B) of theradiator is at the bottom part and is situated on the same side as thefeet-level outlet (56).
 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4,characterised in that the first fan (16) and the second fan (32) areboth disposed on the same side, or upstream side, of the radiator (14)and in that the deicing (52), ventilation (54) and feet-level (56)outlets communicate with an outlet chamber (54) situated on the oppositeside, or downstream side, of the radiator (14), so that the first airflow (F1) and the second air flow (F2) pass through the radiator (14) inthe same direction.
 6. Device according to claim 5, characterised inthat the outlet chamber (48) houses a distribution shutter (62) able toadopt at least two different positions: a closed position in which theoutlet chamber is divided into a first compartment (48A) and a secondcompartment (48B) so that the first air flow is directed to the deicingoutlet (52) and the ventilation outlet (54) whilst the second air flow(F2) is directed to the feet-level outlet (56); and an open position inwhich the first compartment and the second compartment communicate sothat the first air flow (F1) and the second air flow (F2) can at leastpartly mix.
 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterisedin that the distribution means comprises a distribution shutter (42)provided at the outlet of the second fan in order to control the secondair flow (F2).
 8. Device according to claim 7, characterised in that thedistribution shutter (42) is able to adopt a closed position in whichthe outlet of the second fan (32) is closed and at least one openposition in which the outlet of the fan (32) is open.
 9. Deviceaccording to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the first fan(16) is disposed on one side, or upstream side, of the radiator (14)whilst the second fan (32) is disposed on the other side, or downstreamside, of the radiator and in that the deicing (52) and ventilation (54)outlets communicate with an outlet chamber (48) situated on thedownstream side of the radiator, whilst the feet-level outlet (56)communicates with a lower part of the casing, on the upstream side ofthe radiator, so that the first air flow (F1) and the second air flow(F2) pass through the radiator (14) in opposite directions.
 10. Deviceaccording to claim 9, characterised in that a distribution shutter isprovided at the outlet of the second fan (32) in order to control thesecond air flow (F2).
 11. Device according to claim 10, characterised inthat the distribution shutter is able to adopt at least two positions: aclosed position in which the outlet of the second fan is closed and anopen position in which the outlet of the second fan is open.
 12. Deviceaccording to one of claims 10 and 11, characterised in that thedistribution shutter is situated on the upstream side of the radiator.13. Device according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that thefirst fan (16) and the second fan (32) are situated adjacent to thecasing.
 14. Device according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterised inthat the first fan (16) is situated adjacent to the casing, whilst thesecond fan (32) is situated at a distance from the casing, in particularclose to the rear seats (PA) of the vehicle.
 15. Device according to oneof claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the first fan (16) and thesecond fan (32) are two independent fans.
 16. Device according to one ofclaims 1 to 15, characterised in that the radiator (14) is able to havea hot fluid pass through it under the control of a flow-rate regulationvalve (46).
 17. Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterisedin that the casing (10) delimits an air heating branch (122) in whichthe radiator (14) is housed and a cold air transmission branch (120),and in that a mixing shutter (116) is provided at the junction of theaforementioned two branches (120, 122) to distribute the first air flow(F1) between the two branches and to regulate the temperature of the airflow to be sent to the deicing (52) and ventilation (54) outlets. 18.Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that itcomprises an upper air passage (66) provided in the casing close to thefirst part (14A) of the radiator and communicating with an outletchamber (48) downstream of the radiator, this upper air passage beingcontrolled by a shutter (70; 88; 102) so that a proportion of the firstair flow (F1) can take this upper air passage without passing throughthe radiator (14).
 19. Device according to one of claims 1 to 18,characterised in that it comprises a lower air passage (92) provided inthe casing (10) close to the second part (14B) of the radiator and closeto the feet-level outlet (56) and communicating with an outlet chamber(48) downstream of the radiator, this lower air passage (92) beingcontrolled by at least one shutter (94, 98; 104; 108; 112) so that aproportion of the second air flow (F2) can take this lower air passagewithout passing through the radiator.
 20. Device according to one ofclaims 1 to 19, characterised in that there is only one radiator (14).21. Device according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that theradiator (14) is formed by the joining of two adjacent radiators (14A,14B) able to have respectively the first air flow (F1) and the secondair flow (F2) pass through them.
 22. Device according to one of claims 1to 21, characterised in that it also comprises an additional radiator(128) situated opposite the second part of the radiator and able also tohave the second air flow (F2) pass through it.